Frequently Asked Questions

General Department Questions 

• What does the Probation Department do?
  A: As an arm of the Court, we provide pretrial assessments and monitoring, probation supervision, alternative custody, and juvenile detention across four divisions: Pretrial, Adult, Juvenile, and Institutions.
• Where are the Probation Offices located?
  A: 303 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA 95061; 1430 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA 95076; 3650 Graham Hill Rd., Felton, CA 95018
• How do I contact my probation officer? 
  A: Contact the Probation Department with your case number or name.  You can contact your probation officer by phone, email, or during regular business hours at the probation office.  If you do not know your officer's contact information, call the main probation office (831) 454-2150 (if you reside in north county or (831) 763-8070 (if you reside in south county) and staff will help connect you with the appropriate officer. Also, please ask about our Uptrust client engagement and communication platform that serves as a two-communication between clients and probation officers.
• What should I do if I miss an appointment?
  A: Contact your probation officer as soon as possible to explain why you missed your appointment and to reschedule. Do not wait until your next scheduled appointment. Prompt communication demonstrates responsibility and allows your officer to discuss any next steps.
• How do I update my address or phone number?
  A: Notify your probation officer immediately if your address, phone number, email address, or other contact information changes. Keeping your contact information current helps ensure you receive important updates and remain in compliance with your probation requirements.
• Do I have a probation officer if I am on a grant of conditional sentence?
  A: No. You are on informal probation and are not supervised by a deputy probation officer. If you have questions call the Superior Court of the State of California at (831)420-2200.
• Who does the department monitor and/or supervise?
  A: Everyone who is ordered by the court and placed on pretrial services, formal probation, PRCS, and Mandatory Supervision.
• What services does probation provide? 
  A: Re-entry services, two daily reporting centers on both sides of the county called Probation Success Centers, job assistance, educational support, victim services.

Pretrial Services

• What are Pretrial Services? Am I on Probation?
  A: Pretrial Services provides supervision and support for individuals who have been released from custody while their criminal case is pending. Pretrial staff help individuals understand and comply with court-ordered release conditions and support their successful return to court.
  B: Supervised Own Recognizance (SOR) allows you to remain in the community while your case is pending. You must report to Pretrial Services and follow all release conditions ordered by the Court.
  C: Intensive Supervised Own Recognizance (ISOR) is a higher level of Pretrial supervision/monitoring that may include more frequent contact with Pretrial Services, electronic monitoring, alcohol monitoring, or other conditions ordered by the court.
  D: Probation is court-ordered supervision that generally occurs after a person has been convicted or sentenced. Being supervised by Pretrial Services does not mean you are on probation, although some individuals may be on Pretrial supervision and Probation supervision at the same time.
• Does Pretrial Services charge a fee to be on the program?
  A: No. Pretrial Services does not charge a fee for any aspect of our program, and we will never contact you, or your family or loved ones asking for any type of “payment”.
• How does someone get placed on Pretrial Services?
  A: Pretrial release and supervision are authorized by the Court. Pretrial Services does not independently decide who is released or placed on supervision. If the Court orders you released under Pretrial supervision, Pretrial Services will provide you with reporting instructions and help you understand the conditions of your release during your period of supervision and monitoring.
• What are Pretrial Services hours of operation?
  A: We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 7:00 am-6:00 pm. Our staff take a break from answering the phones and meeting with walk-ins between 12:00-1:00pm.
• How do I check in with Pretrial Services?
  A: Depending on what level of monitoring you are on you may be required to report to the office in-person, and/or report by telephone (831-454-2846), or the automated reporting line at (831) 888-4782. Automated reporting is available 24/7.
• I am having trouble reaching Pretrial Services staff by telephone.
  A: You may also reach out to Pretrial via email at prbpretrialnotification@santacruzcountyca.gov
• How do I find my next court date?
  A: You can look up your next court date by entering your case number in the Santa Cruz Superior Court portal: Home | Superior Court of California | County of Santa Cruz. You can also call the Pretrial office and a Pretrial staff can provide you with your next court date and sign you up for court date reminders: Court Reminder Notifications | Superior Court of California | County of Santa Cruz
• My GPS is malfunctioning, what do I do?
  A: Call the Pretrial office immediately to report any issues with your GPS device. You can also stop by the office during our business hours, and a Pretrial team member will troubleshoot the device and provide a replacement if necessary.
• My alcohol monitor is locked, what do I do?
  A: If your alcohol monitor is locked or you cannot complete a test, do not attempt to repair or alter it. Keep the device charged and contact Pretrial Services as soon as possible. Let Pretrial staff know what happened and what message, if any, appeared on the device.
• How to charge the GPS device/Beacon:
  A: Keep your GPS charged at all times and according to the instructions provided when it was installed. If the GPS will not charge or appears to be malfunctioning, contact Pretrial Services immediately at (831) 454-2846 and do not attempt to remove or repair the device.
• On Intensive Supervised Own Recognizance (ISOR) (Home Confinement/House Arrest), am I allowed to leave the house?
  A: If you are on ISOR (home confinement/house arrest), you are to remain at home unless the court or Pretrial has given you permission to leave.
• The jail released me on Supervised Own Recognizance without equipment, what do I do?
  A: You must report to Probation’s Pretrial Services within two business days after your release from the jail. Pretrial staff will review your court-ordered conditions, reporting requirements, and any next steps with you.
• What happens if I’m released from jail after hours?
  A: If you are released after the Pretrial office has closed, follow the instructions provided on your release paperwork and contact Pretrial Services during the next available business day. If your release requires you to report within two business days, weekends and County holidays do not count as business days.
• What is Probation’s Pretrial Services email address?
  A: PRBPretrialNotification@santacruzcountyca.gov
• How long is Pretrial Services?
  A: You will be on Pretrial Services as long as the court deems it to be necessary.
• What does it mean when OR has been revoked?
  A: When someone’s release on Own Recognizance (OR) has been revoked, it means that the court has determined the individual is out of compliance with their conditions of release, and a bench warrant has likely been issued.
• How can a Bench Warrant be recalled?
  A: A warrant remains active until the court officially recalls it. Under certain circumstances, Pretrial may be able to assist you in the recall process. Please contact Pretrial or your attorney to discuss next steps.
• I already have a Probation Officer, do I also have to report to Pretrial?
  A: If you are on formal probation, mandatory supervision, or PRCS and ordered to Pretrial Services, you will have to report to your assigned Deputy Probation Officer and a Pretrial Services Officer/Aide.
• Can I travel out of county or out of state while on Pretrial Services?
  A: For out of county travel, you will need to request permission in advance from Pretrial Services if you are on Intensive Supervised Own Recognizance (ISOR) or if you are court ordered to remain in Santa Cruz or your residing county. All out of state travel requests need to be approved by the court for anyone on Pretrial Services.
• How can friends and family contact me, the incarcerated person, while I am still in jail pending release on Pretrial Services?
  A: Smart Communications connects family and friends with incarcerated individuals through an easy-to-use online communications system. When using SmartInmateTM, you can connect in just minutes and correspond every day in near real time instant communication with your loved ones. Sign up and connect now, it’s quick, easy, and free to sign up! Friends and family can add funds to an incarcerated individual directly by visiting the Smart Communications website www.smartinmate.com and creating an account.
• Where can I get a substance use disorder (SUD) assessment?
  A: SUD assessments can be completed through the Santa Cruz County SUD Provider Network: North and South County locations. You can visit Behavioral Health or call (800) 952-2335 24 hours a day.

Reporting & Supervision

• Can I travel while on probation?
  A: You may be allowed to travel with a travel permit.  However, there are some states where it is a felony charge to be there without consent. Please reach out to your Probation Officer to assist you in providing the appropriate materials.
• How do I report remotely or virtually?
  A: Upon your first meeting with your probation officer, a plan will be made for how often you need to report and if it will need to be in person or by other means.
• What are the office hours and locations?
  A: For adults, there are two offices. In North County, we are located at 303 Water Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. In South County, we are located at 1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste B, Watsonville, CA 95076. The Juvenile Hall is located at 3650 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018. Juvenile Services are located at the Juvenile Hall facility and at 1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste. B, Watsonville, CA 95076. Our office hours are 8 am - 5 pm and closed for lunch from 12 - 1 pm.

Court & Legal Process

• How do I obtain proof of probation?
  A: In court, upon your adjudication, you should receive a copy of your probation terms. Additionally, your attorney or probation officer can assist you in obtaining these documents.
• How can I find my court date?
  A: Once you are on probation, your probation officer can assist you in finding out your next court date and inform you if you need to be personally present or if your appearance can be excused. You can also look up your next court date by entering your case number in the Santa Cruz Superior Court portal: Home | Superior Court of California | County of Santa Cruz.
• How do I pay court-ordered fines or fees?
  A: You can pay in person at any of the probation sites: 3650 Graham Hill Road Felton, CA 95018, 303 Water Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or 1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste B, Watsonville, CA 95076. We accept cash (exact change) or credit card. Please note that if you pay by credit card, you will be charged a processing fee. You can also pay online by using the link on our Home page.
• Can probation help me clear a warrant?
  A: Depending on the type of warrant, your probation officer may be able to assist you. You can also try and clear your warrants by going to the Santa Cruz County Court and getting yourself on Calendar at the criminal window.

Juvenile Services

• What happens if a youth is referred to probation?
  A: When a youth is referred to Juvenile Probation, a Probation Officer reviews the circumstances of the referral, the youth's needs, strengths, family situation, and any public safety concerns. Depending on the situation, the case may be resolved through diversion services, community-based interventions, informal supervision, or a referral to the Juvenile Court. Whenever appropriate, the Department seeks to provide the least restrictive response while promoting accountability, rehabilitation, and positive youth development.
• What services are available for youth and families?
  A:  Santa Cruz County Juvenile Probation partners with community organizations to provide services that support youth and their families. Depending on the youth's individual needs, services may include:

  • Individual and family counseling
  • Substance use treatment
  • Mental health services
  • Educational support and school engagement
  • Mentoring and positive youth development programs
  • Life skills and job readiness services
  • Restorative justice programs
  • Community service opportunities
  • Parenting support and family engagement
  • Alternatives to detention and community supervision

  Services are tailored to each youth with the goal of helping them build on their strengths, repair harm, and successfully remain in their home and community whenever safely possible.
• How does juvenile probation work?
  A: Juvenile Probation works with youth, families, schools, treatment providers, and community partners to help young people make positive changes while promoting community safety. A Probation Officer develops an individualized case plan that may include attending school regularly, participating in counseling or treatment, completing community service, meeting with the probation officer, and following court-ordered conditions when applicable.
  The Department uses evidence-based and trauma-informed practices that emphasize accountability, skill development, family engagement, and successful outcomes for youth.
• Can parents attend meetings with probation staff?
  A: Yes. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are encouraged to participate in meetings with probation staff whenever appropriate. Families play a critical role in supporting a youth's success, and Juvenile Probation values their involvement throughout the process. Depending on the youth's age, legal status, and individual circumstances, meetings may also include extended family members, service providers, school representatives, and other supportive adults to help develop a coordinated plan for success. There are informal meetings throughout the life of a case, and there are more formal meetings such as a Child and Family Team Meeting (CFT) that is structured in a way to give voice to the youth, their family and support network along with service providers’ input. This has shown to be an effective approach that offers a range of ideas to address any concerns and enhance the strengths that youth and families possess.
• What community-based programs are available for youth?
  A: Juvenile Probation collaborates with a variety of community partners to connect youth with programs that promote healthy development and reduce future involvement with the justice system. Available programs may include:

  • Mentoring and leadership programs
  • Recreation, sports, and arts activities
  • Academic support and tutoring
  • Career exploration and workforce development
  • Substance use and behavioral health services
  • Restorative justice and victim awareness programs
  • Family support services
  • Positive youth development and life skills programs

  Program availability may vary based on a youth's needs, eligibility, and community resources. Probation staff work closely with youth and families to identify services that best support long-term success.

Reentry & Support Services 

• What reentry services are available?
  A: Adult probation clients are able to receive reentry services that focus on relationship building and assessment/support for engaging in pro-social natural supports for long term success. Supportive services are also available for women survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking upon release from custody. Lastly, trauma-informed mental health services are offered for successful community reintegration.
• How can probation help with housing, education and employment?
  A: Short term, limited Bridge Housing assistance is available for adult clients in transition to local sobering living environments (SLE’s), treatment, or other forms of stable housing. Educational programming, leading to a high school diploma and passage of a high school equivalency test are available onsite at our North and South County Success Centers. Additionally, employment development services aimed to support long-term employment, job retention, and upward mobility are offered at our Success Centers as well.
• Are substance use or mental health services available?
  A: Yes, County Behavioral Health and community-based providers work directly out of the North and South County Success Center sites for accessibility of services.
• How do I get transportation assistance?
  A: Your Probation Officer may be able to connect you with available transportation resources or other services that help remove this barrier for you.